Be Quiet

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Amazing and awesome is the Word of God! I have always interpreted the phrase “Be still and know that I am God,” in Psalm 46:10, to mean I should quiet my mind that I may hear God speaking to me—end of story. It is that, but also so much more.

This morning I was amazed, and dare I say after all the years, had my eyes opened to a new and exciting revelation! I do my meditations using the Holman Christian Bible—in it I read these words from Psalm 46:10:–“Stop your fighting and know I am God…” not, “be still” but “stop fighting!” This caused me to read the whole Psalm and several commentaries on those verses. This is what I discovered:–

1. I was reminded that God, and God alone, is our refuge and strength. He is a help that has been proven to be a reliable stronghold in the past. Therefore, even the great hold evil has on the nations today, you and I need not fear because God has our backs.

 

2. In contrast to the raging environment there is a peaceful river of supply in God’s sanctuary that produces life.

 

The river that the Psalmist speaks of is symbolic of the river of life flowing within us which is the Holy Spirit. Further, it is believed that there is a subterranean water supply that is the source of various pools in Jerusalem. This unseen river becomes the symbol of the inner life, grace, and joy that only God gives. In verse 4 of Psalm 46, the river actually refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, which flows to and brings life to every member of the church (believers) also “the city of God.” This river is referred to God the Father (Jeremiah 2:13), God the Son (Zechariah 13:1), and God the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; 7:38).

 

3. The enemy will attack. In Psalm 46:5, that time is referred to as “the break of day.”

 

4. As it is true of today—“The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! (46:5) But, even above all that violence God’s voice can be heard, if we will stop fighting and listen!

 

5. It brought me to the story of Hannah in I Samuel who was crying out to God because of her barrenness. God moved on her behalf, but also advanced His larger plan through her. His heart was breaking for the barrenness of Jerusalem for it was a season of spiritual need and little prophetic activity. God used Hannah’s voice to speak on His behalf to the people. God’s voice can come from a most unsuspecting place.

 

6. God will act in His time. Psalm 46:8 tells us that God will destroy the evil that lurks on the earth. He may allow it to continue for a time which will bring persons to Him who have not known Him, but in the end He will act and peace shall reign.

 

7. Be still—stop fighting—(vs 10)—God addresses the wicked warring nations with a warning—“cease and desist; it is I, God, who will be exalted in victory; you do not have a chance of winning.”

 

God spoke to me today through the words of the Psalmist. He can do the same from you. He is standing at the door of your heart knocking, waiting to come in and sit at your table with you. (Revelation 3:20) But, you need to open the door and invite Him in. Your body is the temple of the Lord and there is a river that flows therein—that river is the Holy Spirit. “Be still”—“Stop fighting” against God and fight WITH God as a member of God’s army.

 

Father come and dwell within me. It is not about me, but all about You. Give, me peace that I may live. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Psalm 46:10: 100:3   Isaiah 2:11, 17   Ezekiel 47:1   Genesis 2:10   Revelation 22:1